U.S. Aid Cuts Hit Egypt's Democracy Groups

(AP) Hadeel Al-Shalchi and Lee Keath - President Obama has cut funds to promote democracy in Egypt by around 50%, drawing accusations that the Obama administration is easing off reform pressure on the autocratic government of Egyptian President Mubarak to ensure its support on Mideast policy, including the peace process with Israel. "Obama wants change that won't make the Egyptian government angry," said Ahmed Samih, head of a Cairo-based organization that in 2005 used U.S. funds to monitor parliament elections. "And in the Egyptian context, that means there will be no change." The administration has made similar cuts in democracy aid to Jordan.


2010-04-21 09:54:44

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